Lift-off of ExoMars mission to find life on Red Planet

In summary, a Proton-M rocket carrying the ExoMars 2016 spacecraft successfully launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome with the objectives of searching for Martian biosignatures, characterizing water and geochemical distribution, studying the surface environment, investigating the subsurface and deep interior, and ultimately returning samples. This is not the first mission to search for evidence of life on Mars, but the chances of discovering microbial life are uncertain. The orbiter may provide important clues, but it is not a definitive proof of life. There was also a previous issue with the launch vehicle.
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A Proton-M rocket carrying the ExoMars 2016 spacecraft blasts off from the launch pad at the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome.

Objectives:
  • to search for possible biosignatures of Martian life, past or present.
  • to characterize the water and geochemical distribution as a function of depth in the shallow subsurface.
  • to study the surface environment and identify hazards to future manned missions to Mars.
  • to investigate the planet's subsurface and deep interior to better understand the evolution and habitability of Mars.
  • achieve incremental steps ultimately culminating in a sample return flight.
 
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Is this the first mission ever to attempt to detect evidence of microscopic life on Mars?
 
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And what are the betting odds that this mission will discover any microbial life on Mars?
 
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Every mission to Mars hopes to find some signs of life.

The orbiter can find many interesting things, but I don't think any possible measurement would be an unambiguous proof of life on Mars, even if there is life. It could tell us where to look, however.
 
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1. What is the purpose of the ExoMars mission?

The purpose of the ExoMars mission is to search for signs of past or present life on Mars. This mission will also help us understand the geology and atmosphere of the Red Planet.

2. When did the ExoMars mission launch?

The ExoMars mission was launched on March 14, 2016.

3. How long will it take for the ExoMars spacecraft to reach Mars?

The ExoMars spacecraft will take about seven months to reach Mars, with an expected arrival date of October 19, 2022.

4. What instruments will be used to search for life on Mars?

The ExoMars mission will use a suite of instruments, including a drill to collect and analyze samples from beneath the surface, a spectrometer to study the chemical composition of the soil, and a camera to capture images of the Martian landscape.

5. What are the potential implications of finding life on Mars?

If life is found on Mars, it would be one of the greatest scientific discoveries in history. It could also provide valuable insights into the origins of life and the potential for life on other planets in our solar system and beyond.

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